Faith Love and Compassion, the poems of Elaine Coltham
Welcome
June 2008: New Hands To Lift The Burdens is my own personal tribute to Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his 90th birthday. For me as a continuing campaigner doing all I can to help MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY I have been inspired by his vision and tireless energy. In his speech at his celebration concert he called for "new hands to lift the burdens". I was moved by those words and I wrote this poem to dedicate to him.
Previous updates: My new book "Shining Like Stars" is raising money for Tearfund in their work focusing on their WORK A MIRACLE campaign. This campaign is striving to stop the transfer of HIV from mother to child. Tearfund's plan includes helping women to get access to medicines and vital information that will prevent their babies being born with HIV. Through partner agencies Tearfund are also caring for children whose parents have already died from AIDS related illnesses and supporting them as they raise siblings.
"Shining Like Stars" is an upside down poetry book with 20 poems in total written by me. Some are Christian poems and then when the book is turned upside down, it is a book with children's poetry. It contains many illustrations and personal introductions by me to share my inspirations behind each poem.
Price £7.00 plus £1.00 post and packing. For every copy sold I am donating £3.00 to Tearfund.
In the gospel of Mark we are told "Everything is possible for one who believes in miracles". My book is a small contribution to helping a big problem to many living in poverty. I believe Tearfund has a wonderful vision and I am committed to helping them all I can.
God bless you and all those you love.
Elaine
News
The Revd David Peck, Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury for International Development, has written the following for the launch of Elaine's latest book, Shining Like Stars:
"It is appropriate that the proceeds from the sale of this book, featuring poetry for children alongside poetry for Christians, should go to benefit Tearfund's 'Work a Miracle' campaign which so importantly brings the work of preventing HIV in children to the attention of the church. Her writing captures the human faces and consequences of suffering. It is these faces that God sees alongside our own. If this is how God sees, so should we see likewise."
On 7th January, Elaine was interviewed in the Ipswich Evening Star, talking about her new book and her vision for her writing. The article is available online.
Elaine's last book, her first children's novel, is still available to buy. Find out about Auntie Relda's Journey, and how it is supporting the work of the Children's Society.
Charities
So far Elaine has raised £2084 through sales of her books. Find out more about the charities that Elaine's work has supported.
Extract of the month
"New hands to lift the burdens
New hands reach out for peace
To carry on this global striving
Until poverty one day will cease."
Read the rest of New Hands to Life The Burdens, dedicated to Nelson Mandela, along with other extracts from Elaine's books...
Gallery
View artwork from Elaine's books, plus exclusive new pieces from the contributing artists, in the Gallery.
Picture of the month:
Guestbook
"You reach so many people with your kindness. I wanted to thank you, your help is very much appreciated by everyone."
See what other people have said about Elaine's work and add your comments to the guestbook